Desmotubule - A plasmodesmatal substructure [30]

Abstract

THE precise nature of intercellular connexions in plants has been the subject of speculation for a considerable time. López-Sáez et al.1 have recently reiterated the suggestion, frequently made, that the endoplasmic reticulum is continuous from cell to cell through the plasmodesmata. These authors consider that the endoplasmic reticulum traverses the plasmodesmata in the form of tubules about 200 in diameter, the inner opaque layer being represented by a single central rod. Robertson2 has given convincing reasons for believing that a unit membrane in the form of a bimolecular leaflet could not assume such a tight configuration. © 1968 Nature Publishing Group.